Paparoa Range | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Peak | Mount Uriah |
Elevation | 1,525 m (5,003 ft) |
Coordinates | 42°01′08″S 171°38′35″E / 42.019°S 171.643°E |
Dimensions | |
Length | 70 km (43 mi) |
Naming | |
Etymology | Named by Ngāti Wairangi, translated as "the broad back" or "the rocky ridge" |
Native name | Te Paparoa (Māori) |
Geography | |
Range coordinates | 42°0′S 171°35′E / 42.000°S 171.583°E |
The Paparoa Range is a mountain range in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It was the first New Zealand land seen by a European – Abel Tasman in 1642. Part of the range has the country's highest protection as a national park; the Paparoa National Park was established in 1987. Within that park, the Cave Creek disaster occurred in 1995.